Georgia State University’s official roster of more than 300 campus organizations includes everything from the Bengali Student Association to the Women’s Ultimate Frisbee Club. But one student group you won’t find on the list — the new White Student Union — is already making headlines nationwide.

Freshman Patrick Sharp says he launched the White Student Union this summer in order to recognize and appreciate white culture. As he told the Atlanta Journal Constitution, “All we want to do is celebrate white identity. This is about being in touch with who you are as a white person and being proud of that.” Although the group has not been recognized by the university, Sharp says a handful of students have already joined.

It is unlikely that the union will receive a charter from the university. To do so, it would need to find a faculty advisor, which Sharp concedes would be difficult. What’s more, several students have already complained to the Atlanta school’s administration after seeing the club’s flyers posted around campus. While Sharp is aware that people will accuse his group of being racist, he tells the Constitution, “I’ve already heard some of that and I don’t care what they have to say.” He added, “Why is it when a white person says he is proud to be white he’s shunned as a racist?”

The university has taken no action to ban the group. According to the Constitution, Doug Covey, vice president for student affairs, responded to complaints by saying that the group had a right to exist and practice free speech. It will also be allowed to meet in common areas on campus.

Sharp said he was inspired to begin the group after hearing about a similar organization formed by students at Towson University in Maryland. Towson’s White Student Union received media attention earlier this year when it planned to organize night patrols of the campus in response to a high crime rate. The group’s blog said, “For those who are not Towson students it seems hard to fathom that every single day black predators prey upon the majority white Towson University student body.” Both the Southern Poverty Law Center and Anti-Defamation League have called the Towson club a hate group.

The 100-year-old Georgia State University, which is primarily a commuter school, has a racially-diverse student body. Among its approximately 32,000 graduate and undergraduate students, 37% are white, 36% are African American, 11% are Asian and 7% identify as Hispanic, according to the student-ranking site College Prowler.

I do not have an issue with a White Student Union. I think it would be nice to have; however, I only ask, what is the purpose of it. "I think we should embrace being white." Well, that's a bold statement. Sounds nice, but I don't understand it.

When blacks, Latinos, Asians, etc. say it, it means something completely different given the history of each groups. When a black person says, "I'm black and I'm proud." it means, my people were brought here as slaves, raped, killed, treated poorly, but rose up and gained rights. When a Latino person says, "I'm proud to be Latino." It means, I love speaking my native tongue. I'm a descendent of natives who were raped by Spaniards. I left my country because of poverty and violence. I hate being called an illegal immigrant. When an Asian person says, "I'm proud to be Asian." It means, of all the ethnic groups, I seem to be overlooked. Many of my people shy away from our strong traditions. I am misrepresented in the media. People don't find my people attractive. I can't win a Miss America Pageant.

And most black student unions started during times when oppression was real. So yes, those groups actually meant something. So again I ask, what's the purpose of a white student union. I am not against it AT ALL, but I would like to know the mission statement. The history/purpose behind it. Why do you want it? Is it because you truly want to embrace your culture? Or do you want a group because every one else has a group.

And what is white culture? What about a European Student Union? That seems a tad bit more understanding because that IS a culture. Do whites have a culture? If so, what does that look like?

this is not a hate group per say. I am not white, and I support the group. It is a heritage group that promotes being "white." Although the term "white group" is vague and doesn't really establish meaning of a group, it is still a valid organization. They should re-name it "Caucasian Union," to signify a more culture group ranging from Europe, the Middle East, and Eurasia.

White college student, in answer to your question, you can't have a sanctioned White Student Union and NOT come off racist because you probably know what country your folks are from. Try celebrating and forming an (insert nationality here) Student Union. We black folk would do the same except that your folks robbed us of our heritage studying the trans-Atlantic slave trade, so we don't know what country to celebrate (hence the generalized BLACK Student Union.)

Mr. Sharp is a real up-and-comer. He is proud of his heritage . . and that is good. Of course, the race mongers will all be out criticizing the White Student Association. Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Rachael Maddow, Chris Matthews, Mika Brezinski, Maxine Waters, Charlie Rangle. I'm surprised Al Sharpton has not yet gotten with Obama's preacher, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, and organized a spontaneous demonstration in downtown Atlanta.

Least I remind you, the last time Americans decided to form clubs to celebrate "whiteness" they wore sheets with pointy hats, placed burning crosses on lawns, and lynched other Americans that weren´t "white". It´s safe to say then why there is some hesitation when Americans try to revive the "white" club thing.

Um, Nazi liberals. Hitler said ; people are stupid. If you tell them the things over and over they will believe it. Obama may be an old doper but never think he is stupid. Black racism is alive and as it always has been.The real monsters are CNN and MSNBC or other sources of that ilk.

People who would be attracted to a group like this are likely socially and financially insecure, worried about slipping down the class status ladder like lower class whites in the South after the Civil War, who felt it was vitally important to cling to the (mistaken) idea that no matter how poor they were, at least they were superior to black people. I wonder what role the emergence of Asian American students who can kick their asses intellectually and scholastically and are likely to have first crack at better jobs has on these sad peoples' feelings of inferiority? It probably makes them all the more desperate to prove that they are still superior to at least someone.

You can't be proud of something that has been historically oppressive like being a Nazi, or that is NOT at risk of disappearing or at risk of survival, like having all the social privileges which runs alongside with power. POWER is the operant of whites while PRIDE is the operant of the rest in the struggle to pursue the same equitable power. Therefore, whites cannot be said to have white pride for they are not in a disadvantaged position. Thus, the reason that it is ok to say black pride or brown pride is because the level of power attained is still not equitable.

The media outlets have no right to dictate how anyone speaks or conducts themselves. Media bias, double standards and insuating white people are racists simply because they're excercising their rights as citizens of the United State should be exposed for exactly what it is. <Propaganda>

it seems rather obvious that the liberal media only interviewed minority students and none of the white students. As if their opinion doesn't matter. I think any group has the right to organize. It isn't like they're forming a group like the black panthers or some other hate organization. It was reported that anyone was welcome.The media aren't the moral authority.

If they can find members then sure create the club. But what exactly is "white culture" to begin with? I live in new jersey and the white culture here is a lot different than the white culture in georgia. Also white people often identify by ethnicity more than race - for example I feel more strongly connected to the identity of being Italian and British than I feel connected to being white. Its because of these reasons why i don't think it will be just any white people joining the club but those who feel white culture is better than any other culture. Whatever they consider white culture to be. But he still has the right to create the club.

Racism (Websters): racial prejudice or discrimination based on skin color.

Equality is about being equal to everyone. There cannot be unequal equality. This "White student" is a racist because he formed a White Student Union in Georgia? Southern White men in groups must be KKK, right? That would be a racial AND gender discrimination as well as racial profiling.

The presidency is the highest position in the world, proving there is equal possibilities for races other than white. Yes, there is much more to accomplish on the smaller scale, being that poverty is in every culture but there are the highest opportunities in the world available and achievable by any race. This discussion is about equality. If there are programs that give grants for college because a person is Latino...there shouldn't be an issue if there is one for White people, Asians, Black people, etc. It is about being equal. If there is an economic difference racially, each of those pro-race groups work on it...which is why they exist.

Whites have 14% poor...why cant whites work on that? Why are people saying, that because they are WHITE poor, they don't deserve help?

Racism is racism. Don't judge people based on color. I don't and I am a Southern White male.

I think it is fine to have a club just based on the fact that all the other racially divided proud clubs exist. I mean the only reason for alarm is history. But i say if a Latino, African American, French etc club exists then it has the right too. “Why is it when a white person says he is proud to be white he’s shunned as a racist?" Exactly how i feel when I am proud to be German, which doesn't make me a Nazi. Trust me I have heard here in Georgia countless times. People asking me first if I am racist, or if I hate people of Jewish religion. It is insulting, and I know it exists because, either of poor education or the environment people are raised in (which is to believe in these racially divided world) - which then is further imposed by creating and dividing student population. But either way, can celebrate whatever they want because this is America- just as long as it is glorified into anything.

Well they have all kinds of black clubs latino clubs and native clubs . I say white people have the right to have there own club... Just because they are white makes it a racist club. Whatever people get over it. Go find a worthy cause to fight against like child abuse, child hunger in America and our own homeless in America. That is something to fight against.

Not only does the White Student Union have a right to exist, if they are not admitted as a legitimate student organization within the confines of the university definition, they should sue. I am black by the way. Until some predominantly black nation somewhere ion planet earth acquires a strong military presence or develops one of the top 5-economies in the world, black people will be treated with disdain and scorn. All that compensatory posturing by black athletes, entertainers, and celebrities, etc., by ostentatious purchases has nothing to do with power and respect. Respect is *** earned *** by kicking ass. Black people have gotten their ass kicked, and continue to get their ass kicked, and all they do is piss and moan without any coherent plan--long term or short term--for fighting fire with fire.

You see, there is no justification to celebrate white identity when you have had it your way since history can remember. The blacks and indians do it for affirmative purposes, the white unions will only mean racism, because there is nothing to discuss...so what would be the agenda like? 'lets brood over slavery', 'lets talk about zimmerman?'

I could go on and on and on and on and on and list dozens if not HUNDREDS of black only student union organizations in addition to other black, hispanic, asian, and native american only organizations that exist throughout the United States. So, why not a white one? Why is the white one racist? I want an answer, I need an answer, I DEMAND an answer.

Could bigotry get any louder? do you see a Group for Brown Student Union or other color??? No they are cultural when they use Bengali etc. White is not a culture its a RACE. Talk about RACIST nutjobs, mind you I've met some real nice southern people but dimwits like this make the south look wrong.

@KushLady It appears that this is what the person behind is about, but not the group itself. If it is done in the face of cultural diversity and understanding then fine. But if for other reasons, then no. I don't agree with its inception.

@hannibal454 I completely understand what you're saying & i totally agree... but, why must you say "your folks" as if all white folks today, are somehow connected to the Atlantic slave trade. Why must it be "your folks" & "my folks"...comments like that only further the divide. Do you not see that?

@BillDakar Tell me something... What is the white student union going to celebrate that the university/city/country doesn't celebrate as a whole? Where are they underepresented? What is the purpose of the union? Celebrating what? The fact that your skin is white? What are you celebrating that the whole country is not celebrating? I agree with hannibal454... No need for such organizations... Whites are not mis/under represented anywhere.... Unless this was a majority black school/campus there is no need for a white student union... Those that want it are just racists in the closet! COME OUT! lol

Mr. Sharp is a racist, and so are you. If every black person knew their country of origin, there would be no Black Student Union. But we don't know because of the slave trade. Further we CAN'T even find out. You and your Mr. Sharp can. Black this and black that is a small way of harnessing a makeshift culture in the absence of the culture one would gain from having ancestral nationality.

@FairRodger You do know you're amazing. I guess white people don't take pride in their daily lives that pride is only held within people of non-white descent. Social privileges? I don't see these kids getting respect for speaking their voice. Where is the privilege in that? Good Lord! Social privileges go to anyone but white men! Go to college maybe you will learn something. Maybe you will learn that being "WHITE" ain't what it used to be lol. They are disrespected, looked at second because of JUST BEING WHITE. Does merit even work in this world anymore for white people? NO! Are all white people racist? NO! Are all black people racist? NO! Just people who think they are entitled to be superior to anyone else on this planet and believe that white people are the reasons for all their problems. I wasn't ever alive during slavery and I never look down at anyone that has a difference in them whether it's skin color, gender, or ideology. So that means that I'm still a racist? How is a white person not in a disadvantaged position? I can give you hundreds of examples. Better yet, you should google it and do some research because honey, you are wrong. How is someone who is black or a minority the only one in a disadvantaged position? You think only of the past, and not the present. Truly sad.

@SarahConfran You seem to be proud of your heritage because it's yours. People are aloud to be proud of what they are whatever that is. To suggest otherwise is ridiculous. Can't have it for one and not the other.

@BrightMhango Blacks act like they're the only group that's been discriminated against. EVERY race has been discriminated throughout history, along with whites. If anything, you sound like the racist. But hey, blacks are apparently allowed to be racist.

Double standards are not okay. Your attitude against white people is exactly why this group should exist. Your attitude makes it necessary for this group to appreciate their history since people in this country only want shame white people for being alive.

@BrightMhango I'm going to preface this all by saying think it's interesting that (presumably) without the experience of ever being White you feel comfortable judging what the White experience would be like. I'd also like to note that while situations like race-based slavery, which you have brought up, have not existed in the US in 150 years, White people alive today are held accountable. Like any cultural identity, there are issues and experiences pertaining predominately to White people that other ethnic groups would likely not be able to appreciate in the same light.

I live in a predominantly Black neighborhood. Growing up I was bullied for being White and I think that gives me some basic insight on what it's like to be alienated for being an ethnic minority, and it's rough. But just because White people are in the majority in the US it doesn't mean there aren't issues that affect us disproportionately the same way all cultural groups experience unique, community-specific problems.

@LogicalMale Further, the concept of "white" (which I take it to mean of European Ancestry) is a misnomer in this country. There are a number of darker skinned people in this country who are of European Ancestry. I'm a multiracial individual who has Irish and Scottish ancestors on both sides of my family (as well as Native American and African ancestry). If the idea is to promote "white" culture and heritage then the organization at some point would be opening its doors to some "blacks", Filipinos, Vietmamese, Indians, Native Americans, Cubans, etc., because many in these "peoples" can trace their ancestry to some Europeans. If the organization is willing to do this, then the celebration of "white" culture I'm sure would be welcomed.

@LogicalMale The thing about all other student unions is that they cannot
discriminate against people of other races, colors, or creeds - everyone
is invited to join. I don't see a problem if that's the case. However,
if the education system, media, tradition, etc, celebrates this
"culture" on a daily basis what purpose does this organization serve?

@nativesofamerika So is Black but my high school had a Black Student Organization. There's nothing wrong with that, because there is a cultural identity associated with being Black and there are issues pertaining predominately to Black people that other ethnic groups would likely not be able to appreciate in the same light. But the same is true for any ethnic or racial group, including majority racial groups.

The fact that a White Student Union is automatically equated to mean racism should be inherent proof that similarly race-specific issues plague the White population.

@KushLady@BillDakar Aren't you a racist, too? It sounds as if you are a race monger kind of like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. There is really no reason why there should NOT be a White Student Union at Georgia State and at any other university that wants diversity. There ought to be a White Student Union at every school that is historically black. There should also be a White Congressional Caucus. Can't white people have groups just like Negros do? Can't whites celebrate being white just like blacks celebrate their blackness?

bhenning60, excellent point. My wife asks me all the time why she gets treated by SOME blacks like she was the slave trader in 1619, brining millions of Africans to the shores. It made me take a second look at the way I view race and racism in this country. Im black and she is white. I see the hurt in her when some of these things happen and it kills me. I was raised in a middle class family and pretty much had a good, privaleged upbringing. She on the other hand is a child of divorced parents who barely could make it. She was raised in a less than privalged life. Its really ironic. It made me think too. I used to have that chip on my shoulder when I was younger that it was me against white America. Only when I traveled and met other types of people outside of my South side neighborhood in Chicago (very nice. mostly irish catholic. the entire south side is not the ghetto) did I realize that one white racist doesn't equal to all whites being racist as one ignorant black person doesn't equate to all blacks are ignorant. There is a big misunderstanding today and we are playing out a by gone era in modern times. In many ways, blacks are responsible for the perceptions that are placed on us. I am the first to come to the defense of my race if it is warrented but we have to remeber that not everyone hates us and we ned to fix our communities first in order to demand respect. We must do better, all of us.

@benyaminshaker@atruekarmalifeYou mean European and Slavic history, not white history, Sir and you´re talking about places like Italy, Ireland, Spain, Denmark, Poland, Romania, France, right? You do know that people in Europe don´t tend to associate themselves with a color, rather more to their culture, heritage, and ties OVER CENTURIES to a particular region. in one country there can be quite alot of diversity with regard to the different regions. Also, as for the "white" American part, you do realize how many "non-whites" have taken part in America´s history, especially Jewish Americans? Jewish Americans are pretty "white", some with all due respect quite pale even, would such a club celebrate their contribution European and American history too?

@USgirl@USMCNole@LogicalMaleDo you remember the time, a whole bunch of WHITE people came from Europe and through documented efforts of mass genocide mostly eradicated and then herded the remaining native populations into reservations where they force stripped them of their culture? How about do you remember when those same settlers/squatters/invaders brought with them a whole bunch of enslaved human beings, used torture to control them and stripped them through violence of their native culture and language? ALSO, do you remember how the descendants of those early white people still treated the descendants of those enslaved humans who happened to be black like second class Americans, making them use separate facilities and to endure episodes of terrorism via the kkk? Do you remember when a whole bunch of Americans of Japanese descent were put in concentration camps because Japan attacked America during WWII and since those Americans still looked Asian even after generations here, they were thought to surely have connections with the "enemy", German Americans were cool though?... I could go on and on, but you know what the point is? That I remember, and that A LOT of people remember because our society still posses traces of THIS WHITE past. FYI that´s the problem. So is this the history a "white" club is going to celebrate? Will the club give it all cool spin, to make it go down easier? If you are "white," like it or not, this is what you have inherited from your predecessors and lucky you! many times this is what people remember in addition to the good when they think of "white" America. Blame YOUR predecessors not the Americans they victimized oppressed, and stripped of identity, power, and their inalienable right to freedom. So don´t whine to me about how "they have clubs so we get clubs too" because you know all too well that the reason "they" have clubs to begin with is because they have been continuously and purposely left out of the biggest "white" club there is in the United States, mainstream American culture .